In Review: Best Minimalist Wallet List 2017

The bulky bifold wallet is out; these days you need to carry a minimalist wallet. Say goodbye to bulging pockets, because the minimalist trend is all about decluttering your life, keeping things simple, and ridding yourself of excess stuff.

Of course, there are more benefits to owning a slim wallet than staying on trend. One of the reasons it’s better to opt for a style that is thin enough to fit in your front pocket is that you can avoid all the issues associated with keeping your wallet in the back one.

Not only are you making yourself more of a target to pickpockets by storing your fat bifold in your back pocket, but whenever you sit down, the imbalance created distorts your hips and pelvis which can lead to a whole host of problems including back pain and sciatic pain.

If you’re looking to make the switch to a slim wallet, or are simply on the market for a new one, here is our list of best minimalist wallet reviews with a range of styles and designs to suit any budget.

Best Minimalist Wallet: Our 4 Top Picks

Best Overall: Saddleback Front Pocket ID Wallet

The superior materials and craftsmanship make this one a winner in our books

Best in Style: Bellroy Slim Sleeve Leather Wallet

Best Overall

1. Saddleback Front Pocket ID Wallet

Our rating:

Details

Full-grain boot leather, marine-grade thread, pigskin lining

Holds up to 12 cards (once broken in)

Built in clear ID window

100-year warranty

4 ¼” W x 3” H x ¼” D

Weight: 0.1 pounds

There’s a reason this leather wallet has landed itself on several best minimalist wallet lists in recent years. Saddleback brings us a great quality product, made using the finest materials to ensure durability and maximum style. It’s the kind of wallet that only gets better with age, so you won’t have to worry about having to get a replacement anytime soon.

Made using full-grain leather, which is the most long-lasting and therefore priciest option, and marine-grade thread, you know it’s been crafted to last. The fact that it offers a 100-year warranty shows just how confident Saddleback is in its product and its durability.

They have carefully considered the design, using a select few pieces of leather, which helps to reduce weak points and seams. This, along with the sturdy pigskin lining, helps to maximize longevity. Every part of the wallet has been carefully designed with durability in mind.

PROS

Made using top quality leather that is durable and ages beautifully

Small, but top notch craftsmanship and robust

Convenient ID window without plastic that would degrade over time

CONS

Not exactly cheap, but you are investing in superior materials and craftsmanship

Takes time to break in, but this is normal with quality leather products

VERDICT

“This wallet is an absolute winner in our books. It’s incredibly stylish and built to last, which makes it worth paying extra for.”

It’s Saddleback’s bestselling wallet, and it’s easy to see why. This quality full-grain leather wallet is not only handsomely crafted using quality materials, but it’s also got a classic design that will never go out of style.

Such a high-quality product deserves to be crowned the best minimalist wallet on our list. It’s worth paying extra for superior craftsmanship, and a wallet that you know won’t fall apart on you in a few months’ time.

Second Best

2. Hammer Anvil RFID Blocking Minimalist Wallet

Our rating:

Details

Anti-breach technology

6 card slots

Large center pocket to store cash

For front or back pocket use

Genuine leather

4" W x 3 1/4"H x 1/8" D

Hammer Anvil’s RFID Blocking Minimalist Wallet is ideal if you’re thinking about making the jump to becoming a minimalist, but want to stick to something relatively cheap and cheerful. This slim wallet is simply not big enough to fit in a bunch of useless extras, with six card slots and a middle compartment for your bills.

It’s made using Genuine Leather, giving it a professional look and feel, so you’re not sacrificing on style. The current version even comes beautifully presented in a fancy pouch, so if you’re thinking of giving it as a gift, it’ll make a good impression.

The wallet also features RFID protection, which means wireless readers will be unable to gain access to your ID and credit cards. While the percentage of credit cards with RFID chips is relatively small in the U.S., in other countries they are far more common. At the end of the day, while it may not be essential, it’s a nice added bonus.

PROS

Leather gives it a nice, professional look

Center pocket provides easy access to your cash

Slim enough to be used as a front pocket wallet

Affordable, yet great construction and materials

CONS

Only 6 card slots, may be too minimalist for some

Large size intended for American dollar bills may put off those living outside the U.S.

VERDICT

If you’re looking for a standard slim wallet with a classic feel that won’t break the bank, this is it. With hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon, you know you are getting good value for money. It’s inexpensive, the leather gives it a premium look and feel, and it holds a surprising amount of bills – win!

Budget Buy

3. Alpine Swiss Super Slim Cash Strap Wallet

Our rating:

Details

Holds up to 6 cards/ID

Built-in cash strap

Genuine Leather

3.8” W x 3.6” H x 0.5” D

Alpine Swiss’ cash strap wallet is somewhere between a money clip and bifold wallet. It provides easy access to your cash while keeping your cards secure in their slots and taking up minimal wallet space in your pocket. It may be the cheapest leather wallet on the list, but that doesn’t mean you should expect terrible quality.

Users rave about it, and plenty of buyers have even gone through the extra effort of updating their review to state that it is holding up well and still their wallet of choice. It’s got a nice slim profile, and the cash strap is perfect for those who like the idea of a built-in money clip.

It’s important to remember that it’s been designed as a minimalist wallet, so you will need to slim down what you carry and avoid cramming it full beyond its limit if you want to stop the leather from stretching too much.

If having RFID protection is a must, then you may want to check out their alternative version of this wallet, which does include the technology. I have previously spotted it on sale and it’s only been a couple of dollars more expensive, so it’s a pretty good deal if you’re worried about keeping your details safe from cybercriminals.

PROS

Fantastic value for money

Stays compact, even when filled, ideal front pocket wallet

Cash straps securely hold your bills

Solid craftsmanship

CONS

Leather stretches after time

No RFID protection, but for an extra couple of bucks you can get the RFID block alternative

Only for the true minimalist

VERDICT

If you want the best minimalist wallet on Amazon that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, then look no further. The Alpine Swiss Super Slim Cash Strap Wallet has impressed us with its super slim profile and handy cash strap that gives you quick and easy access to your bills. It’s the ideal alternative to the money clip, keeping your everyday carry items organized and secure.

Best in Style

4. Bellroy Slim Sleeve Leather Wallet

Our rating:

Details

Environmentally certified top-grain leather

Holds 4 to 12+ cards

2 quick access card slots

Pull-tab to access infrequently used items

3.7” W x 3” H

Bellroy has taken what they call the “nude approach” in their design of this wallet. The idea is to eliminate all the excess, such as buttons, trims, zips, and buckles, to create a super slim silhouette. The focus is solely on function and creating a minimalistic design.

They have carefully considered how people use their wallets on a day to day basis. When you think about it, you don’t use every card you have daily. You typically only have a couple of cards that you access regularly, and the rest are there in case you need them. That’s why they have cleverly created two credit card slots for quick access, and the rest of your items can be stored in a separate compartment with pull-tab access.

We love how they have considered user’s habits and incorporated that into the design. It’s what keeps the design to a minimum, so you’re not adding bulk and wasting extra materials just to create card slots you probably don’t need. Remember, it’s a slim wallet, so you will be expected to keep stuff to a minimum.

CONS

VERDICT

“This super slim wallet is an absolute winner in our books. It’s incredibly stylish and built to last, which makes it worth paying extra for.”

Every aspect of this wallet has been carefully considered to ensure quality and performance at every turn. While you are paying a premium price for this product, we believe the style, function, and quality you receive are worth the cost.

Our rating:

Details

Holds up to 3 cards + cash

Genuine leather

3M adhesive backing

Fits most phones and cases

For those of you who want to carry the absolute minimum, the Card Buddy Deluxe may just be the answer. This stylish stick-on wallet is designed to fit on most smartphones and their cases, including iPhone 6 and Android, OtterBox and LifeProof.

Placing it on your phone is nice and easy thanks to the 3M adhesive backing, which is meant to be super strong and durable. The leather not only adds a touch of style, but it also helps to enhance durability. Users have commented how the deluxe version is much more durable than the silicone one, and when you consider the minimal price difference, it’s worth paying extra for the leather.

PROS

Turns your phone into a wallet, so you have less to carry

Excellent value for money

Leather is stylish and soft to the touch

CONS

Bit stiff when you first start using it

Leather stretches, so overstuffing can lead to spillage

VERDICT

We love how convenient this wallet is if you don’t want to carry too many things in your pocket. Most of us will have our phones on us anyway, so why not make the most of it and add a case for your essentials? At this price point, you’re getting an absolute bargain.

6. Machine Era Ti5 Slim Wallet | Titanium

Our rating:

Details

Say hello to Machine Era’s premium Ti5 wallet; the essential EDC card carrier. It has taken the best aspects of its previous designs to develop the lightest, strongest, and slimmest wallet yet.

It’s all in the materials; the aerospace (Grade 5) 6al-4v Titanium gives it maximum strength without adding extra weight. It’s ultra-durable, looks good, and even features RFID block technology and a built-in bottle opener.

PROS

Titanium means it’s ultra-light and slim, yet highly durable

Cards slide in and out easily

Sleek, professional looking design, with rounded edges for added comfort

CONS

Middle cards are trickier to get to

So light and compact you’ll often worry you’ve misplaced it

VERDICT

With Machine Era’s Ti5 wallet, what you are paying for is the materials; the titanium is what gives it that sleek, modern look while allowing it to be ultra-light and ultra-strong. It’s the kind of slim wallet that will last you for many years to come.

7. Secrid Slimwallet

Our rating:

Details

Solid aluminum, European leather

Holds up to 12 cards

RFID block

68 x 102 x 16 mm

Weight: 72 grams

The Secrid Slimwallet is like its Miniwallet, just that extra bit slimmer. This model doesn’t feature a press stud closure, so the flush profile makes it ideal for front pocket use. What sells this slim wallet is the unique Secrid Cardprotector, which has been designed to protect your credit cards in more ways than one.

Besides offering RFID block, it also provides safe storage to avoid damage to your cards in the long run. While the distinctive design does offer something new to the wallet market, not everyone is looking for RFID protection, and it does really add to the price.

All in all, it’s a stylish design and has received many positive reviews by users. It’s nice and compact, yet offers plenty of space for minimalists to carry their everyday essentials.

PROS

CONS

Described as holding up to 12 cards, but does not do so comfortably and only applies to flat desings – if embossed, holds less

Limited storage space for bills

You’re paying a lot extra to protect your digital information

VERDICT

The Secrid Slimwallet is ideal for those who want a leather wallet that will offer their credit cards maximum protection. The light brown leather gives it a nice vintage touch, perfect if you’re looking for a wallet that provides function and style.

8. Huskk Slim Front Pocket RFID Wallet

Our rating:

Details

100% Natural full-grain leather

Holds up to 8 cards

3 pockets

ID window

RFID blocking material

Smart pull-strap

Weight: 0.3-ounce

Minimalist wallets should be small, lightweight, fit comfortably in your front pocket, all while having enough room to fit your essentials. This wallet is just that. The leather wallet has three pockets, so there’s space to hold all your most important cards, your ID, as well as some cash, yet even with all that inside it stays nice and slim.

It’s designed to comfortably fit US dollar bills in the strap, which are nice and easy to access. Since the wallet is made from vegetable-tanned leather, it has a great classic feel to it. The downside to the leather is that it will stretch over time. Due to the design, you will most likely carry several things in each pocket, but take care not to over-fill if you want your wallet to last longer.

CONS

Beware of where you buy – some online users have complained of receiving a poor-quality alternative to the product advertised, so make sure you use a reputable seller

VERDICT

This practical slim wallet oozes classic style while providing maximum function in a small package. It’s comfortable enough to wear in your front pocket at all times, thanks to its lightweight and slim design.

9. Trafalgar Men's Cortina Card Sleeve

Our rating:

Details

Full-grain Cortina leather, vegetable-dyed

Holds 6-8 cards

4.25” W x 2.75” H

This classy looking wallet is made using full-grain Cortina leather, which is vegetable-dyed for a nice finish. It’s stylish and sleek, perfect if you’re a professional looking for a minimalist wallet that has a high-quality look to it.

While you’re paying a bit extra for this wallet, we think it’s worth the cost. It’s finely crafted using quality materials, so you know it’s going to last you longer than your average low-cost wallet.

PROS

Smooth, quality leather

Practical design, keeps items efficiently arranged

Comes nicely packaged, ideal for gift

CONS

Bills need to be folded in three for a perfect fit

A little pricey, so this item is not for everyone

VERDICT

While this wallet may be a little on the pricey side, sometimes it’s worth paying more for a quality wallet that’s going to last you that bit longer. We love the classic look and feel of this design and the fact that your cards are neatly arranged and easy to access.

10. Levi's Slim Front Pocket Wallet With Money Clip

Our rating:

Details

25% leather, 75% polyurethane

5 card slots

2 interior pockets

ID window

Metal money clip for quick access to cash

Packaged in gift tin

4.4” W x 1.4” H x 0.1” D

When you’re buying products online, you don’t always know what you’re going to get. The good thing about going with a trusted brand is that you can depend on the quality of the item. Levi’s is known for providing quality products that will last for years.

This slim wallet is no different. While it may not exactly exude high class, it’s the kind of reliable product that serves its purpose. There are plenty of card slots and pockets to store your credit cards, ID, receipts, and even a metal money clip for your cash.

While there’s lots of space to store your cards, all those card slots do add a bit of bulk to the wallet. It’s one of the thickest wallets on the list, so you may find it’s not as big a jump from your average bifold, which would suit some people just fine.

PROS

Metal money clip is on the inside of wallet, adding extra security

Sturdy wallet that will last you for years

Great value for money

CONS

A bit bulky for front pocket use

ID window is useful to some but detracts from an otherwise nice design

VERDICT

It’s a little on the thick side for a minimalist front pocket wallet, but this might suit those looking for a few extra card slots. A good-looking item with its vintage look and weathered texture, it’s the kind of sturdy design that will withhold a bit of extra wear and tear.

11. Andar Minimalist Front Pocket Card Holder

Our rating:

Details

Full grain soft leather

RFID blocking materials

Holds 1 – 8+ cards

6 card slots including ID window slot and large center pocket

4” W x 3 ¼” H x 1/8” D

1-year warranty

Andar’s The Freeman wallet is designed to hold your cards, cash, and receipts while maintaining an ultra slim design. This makes it the ideal wallet for front pocket use since you will hardly even feel it’s there.

The wallet includes RFID blocking materials that are woven directly into the pocket sleeves, so you get the protection without the extra bulk. It’s a nice extra touch if you’re worried about digital thieves.

The small design does mean you will have to fold your bills in half for them to fit in the center pocket, so something to consider if you would rather avoid having to fold your bills.

PROS

Leather wears in nicely to give it a distressed look

Allows for quick access to cards yet maintains ultra slim design

Well crafted, good quality leather and stitching

CONS

Requires a bit of time to break in

Leather does stretch, so you will need to take care not to overfill it and place embossed cards facing in to avoid the numbers printing on the leather

VERDICT

Thin, lightweight, well built, and stylish to boot, it’s everything you want from a slim minimalist wallet. With a bit of time, you end up with a nicely distressed wallet that comfortably fits your cards while providing easy access to your EDC items.

12. Herschel Supply Co. Men's Roy Wallet

Our rating:

Details

100% polyester

6 card slots

2 inner pockets

Currency pocket

4.5” W x 3.5” H x 0.5” D

We love the clean, simple design of Herschel’s Roy wallet. It’s got multiple card slots, so you have enough space for all your bits and pieces, while still eliminating a lot of the clutter you get in a standard bi-fold wallet.

This is the kind of superior product you expect from such a well-known brand; it’s made with quality materials, has a great modern design and feel to it, and is well constructed. It is a little bulkier than most slim wallets once all the slots are filled, however, which may not suit your minimalist needs.

PROS

Sturdy, built to last, maintains its shape

Cool, modern design

Herschel brand quality

CONS

Lots of storage space, but quite bulky when full

Initial break-in period

VERDICT

A great minimalist bi-fold wallet that is slim enough for everyday carry, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for an alternative to your standard leather design.

13. Travelambo Front Pocket Minimalist Wallet

Our rating:

Details

100% genuine leather

6 card slots

ID window

RFID blocking technology

4.1” W x 3.3” H x 0.12” D

Travelambo offers an excellent minimalist wallet; it’s slim, sturdy, functional, attractive, and won’t break the bank. For the price they are charging, we’re quite impressed by the quality of the good. Space is limited, which is great if you’re going for something minimalist, but it may be too limiting for some.

The RFID technology has been approved by independent lab tests, which should offer you some peace of mind. It’s important to note that it has been tested at a frequency of 13.56 MHz at which ID, credit and debit cards, and driver licenses operate.

Other cards, such as hotel room and access cards, and some ID badges may operate at a frequency of 125 MHz, and this will not be blocked. The slot with the ID window also does not provide RFID block technology, so should be used with appropriate items.

PROS

Very slim wallet fits nicely in your front pocket

Solid, sturdy design

Good quality for the price

CONS

Not much space for cash and bills need to be folded

Stiff to start, so difficult to remove cards

VERDICT

If you’re looking for a true minimalist wallet, you can’t go wrong with this beautifully made slim wallet. It’s an attractive piece with just enough space for the essentials, helping you keep things to a minimum while taking up very little pocket space.

14. RFID Dash Slim Wallet 4.0

Our rating:

Details

Saffiano leather, PU canvas, elastic

3-compartment system

Holds 8-10 credit cards

10 slots

2 quickdraw pockets

RFID blocking

3 1/5” W x 2 1/2” H x 1/8” D

The designers have really thought about their end users here. Dash offer two versions of the slim wallet; a horizontal one and a vertical one. The wallet comes with a quickdraw feature, which makes it easier to access your cards and push them out just enough to use it, either by swiping it or using the embedded chip for contactless payments.

The vertical design is better suited to those that regularly use contactless payments, while the horizontal option is ideal for those that use the swipe system. The quickdraw feature is great for your most used cards, but you may find it a little cumbersome to remove cards initially, so prepare for a break in period.

PROS

Compact, ultra-light design

Horizontal and vertical design options

Through pocket provides ideal cash storage

CONS

Takes some time to break in

Not the highest quality, but does the job

VERDICT

A great slim wallet with some nicely thought out design features. The wallet may require a slight break in period, but once broken in, you’ve got a nice minimalist wallet with quick access to your cards.

15. Atziloose Minimalist Wallet for Men

Our rating:

Details

Carbon fiber panels, rubber band

Holds up to 10 cards

RFID blocking

Comes in gift box

3.6” W x 2.25” H

Weight: 0.6 oz

For those of you looking to take a big step away from the traditional bi-fold wallet, consider Atziloose’s minimalist wallet. The slim wallet consists of two carbon fiber panels, held together by a thick rubber band. The idea is that you slip all your cards between the panels, and tuck your cash under the band.

By keeping things simple and creating a wallet out of durable, yet ultra-thin carbon fiber, they have managed to maintain a very minimalist design. The downside is that the edges are a bit on the sharp side, but as one user pointed out, this can quickly be remedied with a bit of sandpaper. It may not be ideal, but it’s a good way to get more use out of a relatively cheap wallet.

PROS

Carbon fiber provides strength and durability

Ultra-thin panels mean ultra-thin and lightweight wallet

Interesting, modern design

CONS

Can be a bit tricky to get your cards out

Edges are on the sharp side, can be sorted with a bit of sandpaper

VERDICT

Simple, slim wallet that looks good and takes up minimal pocket space. Getting the cards out can take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve got that down, you’ll love this ultra-thin and light wallet.